Horological Meandering

Just a rant. I called up the sole AD for an English Independent hoping to make an appointment to see a particular model.

Lo and behold, they are the only AD to bring it in BUT they do not carry enough pieces across the model spectrum, they don;t even know the list prices!  Now how is one ever going to even consider buying a piece without seeing it first (ok some do. I have done so) but without even knowing the price?!  Even to top it off, there wasn't even a proactive effort to find out the price.  Now..... am I missing something about sales?  Seems like they ae just not interested in this brand which then begs the next question... then why bother carrying it?

I pity this English independent and wonder if he knows how "excellently" his brand is being represented here.  If anyone here is close to him, maybe drop him a note to consider moving his dristribution to the same network that carries Vianny Halter, Dufour, RG etc... and that is The Hour Glass who comparatively speaking, are excellent!

Granted, it's not necessary to have every single piece in every single range and maybe impracticle from a inventory/cost pov, but I would imagine maybe a 38 mm and a 42mm picadilly even in steel to at least show how it wears on the wrist size wise as these are supposed to have long lugs.  And at least know that list prices!  Grief!

End of rant and sigh... I had some time today.  Have a great week ahead.

Hello wmclarenf1!

Have you tried to contact the watchmaker directly and see what they recommend?  Maybe you just got a bad sales person and hopefully try calling again to speak to someone else within the AD.

Not trying to make an excuse for your bad experience but maybe they can't quote a retail price due to fluctuations in the exchange rates?  If it's an Independent watchmaker, I'd be surprised if they have any stock as some makers are presold/waitlist/etc..  (ex. Here in L.A. the AD I use is a DeButhune dealer and they hardly have anything to display as stock is so limited and pieces that do come in are already spoken for).

Please let us know what you decide to do but IMO, I'd call them back and ask for another salesperson to help you.  Good luck and I hope everything works out for you.

-MW

that it could be I happened to hit a dud salesguy (again, second time from the same AD chain).  Some may be wondering if I should have gone to the same guy in this Ad that I am comfortable with.. I guess I should have but only one outlet in this chain carries this brand and I thought maybe short-circuit the whole thing and call direct. I am after all in Singapore which is smaller than even San Francisco I think and it doesn't take long to go anywhere here.

But I guess, there is always inconsistency in the service and sales lines and that definitely continues with this AD but what to do?  They are the only ones that carry this brand and I pity this independent as he is not getting the kind of sales support which I am sure he was promised.

I take you point about not carrying stock but just the 2 different sizes in STEEL for the Picadilly I think is not much to ask for.  Oh, btw, they do have the tourbillon and one other high complication from this brand... weird eh?  Go figure LOL.

If you have gone with a previous contact within the AD, that's probably the way to go.  If he/she is familiar with you and they know that you are a serious buyer then they should be able to help.

Sometimes contacting the watchmaker directly to let them know that their local AD is dropping the ball on service will result in positive changes.  I haven't been to Singapore or dealt with any AD's there so unfortunately can't help.  Maybe Singaporean PuristS can give their advice?

-MW

The salespersons lack of enthusiasm in getting the necessary information cannot be excused but there are some mitigating factors worth mentioning.

Obtaining information from some independents is not always easy (though in this case I know which English watchmaker you're referring too and he is usually responsive). Unlike large brands working with independents is necessarily a less formalised relationship, there are no marketing departments to provide information, so getting information can be more difficult.

Pricing is an issue due to currency factors. The fact that they don't have it in stock and it's not on their balance sheet means getting an exact price which they commit to is sometimes complicated. Some large brands even quote prices solely on EUR or CHF for six figure watches so as to avoid any conflict with the customer in relation to promised prices.

Another factor is retailer-specific, the retailer you mention is undergoing ownership changes as you know, so carry the full range is unlikely given that I am sure they are trying to keep inventory levels down.

Again, whoever you contacted should have been more proactive than you describe but nonetheless tou should try contacting the watchmaker directly, his wife answers emails promptly and helpfully.

- SJX

There are many ways to do the right thing, and many ways to do the wrong thing, all to achieve a common purpose. What ways would you take to make your potential customer feel 'good' given any situation?

I'll not tolerate shabby attitude, when I don't feel good about anything, I don't feel godo parting my money, it's not my responsibility to please the sales guy, aint' that obvious?

Even if they didn't mean what they said, they should have been trained to handle customer's feeling better, assuming they want your business.

Mech.

mate, i assume its the watch that we spoke about?  wait for their in house movement lah. and wait awhile, i am gonna see if UK cheaper during my work trip there.

i think you would do well to email him directly. he is a very down to earth man and will be very P****d off to hear about this. you may prefer to deal with him direct for a far better service.

Andy has been considering one of his watches and we tried on the 38mm and 42mm cases. the lugs i think are the same length on both watches and IMO look too long on the 38mm, but well balanced on the 42mm.

thats just my opinion of course.

best

Graham

Probably less complicated than the serpent cal but the 1 hand idea seems more interesting, less common even if telling the time is a tad harder especially on aging eyes.

the red Gold with chinese hour indicators is pulling at me but I need to see it in person for various reasons, to see the shde of red gold, if it is as nice to me on my wrist than on the net, do the lugs stick out on my less than big wrist etc.

i also find this more interesting than the other independent we looked at although the other I still find very very nice.

All said and done though, I think this is gona be a tough one for me if the AD does not have this in stock.

last night and they will get me the pricing info.  I donlt know how the in-the-metal viewing is going to be done though.  They did tell me Peter is due for a visit to Singapore in September or October so let's see if this AD will send an invite (I did leave my contact with them to) and hopefully Peter will have him him this piece when he visits.

Thanks for your PM reply as well.

No message body

The other posters have given some excellent advice so I will not chime in other than to say I am an owner of one of these watches and am extremely pleased. I had the good fortune to take some pictures of the 38mm and 42mm side by side so, if it helps, here are some pictures (they are not the greatest unfortunately). The most noticeable difference is the size of the bezel. The bezel on the 38mm is much thinner making it wear bigger while the 42mm has a wider bezel (please feel free to email me if you have any other questions)

42mm on left in stainless and gold    ------    38mm on right



38mm on left this time and 42mm on right

It is precisely because of the lug treatment that I think it is best that I see it on my wrist before I proceed further with this exploration.  I've a feeling the lugs will overhang the edges of my wrist, something which I am not comfortable with.

Thank you again.

For reference, my wrist is about 6.75"

this guy is very down to earth and a great dinner guest...and i would suggest contacting him direct.  There is nothing better than trying the sizes on and i spent most of the London GTG with Peters watches on my wrist while he wore mine..!!  If size is a consideration here is a pic next to my B&R of the 42mm in rose gold which was a beauty...

 

Don't let the AD put you off, his work is stunning.

Yours,

Andy.

This message has been edited by Andy on 2009-07-27 13:19:02

I know they are rather separate but it does unfortunately have an impact on the sales which inevitably impacts the watchmaker himself.

...just to underscore what others have already said: as unfortunate as the AD experience was, look beyond that and deal direct. The "watchmaker" [does anyone mind if we get away from the niceties of using that phrase - we're talking Peter Speake-Marin and his wife Daniela here] is a fantastically accommodating, responsive, considerate and decent person to deal with. He and Daniela made dealing direct but long-distance a breeze, and a delightful experience. Moereover, the watches are terrific (and very comfortable, irrespective of the lug design).

We are not that far apart - if business brings you here in the near future, you are welcome to play with the Shimoda to your heart's content. If you connect with Peter, though, chances are you will have your own before then!

 

Cheers,

pplater.

Thanks for the picture of my favorite Speake-Marin!  Gorgeous watch, Pplater!

Daos